Lesson 3: Lens Material, Frame Types, and Frame Shapes

Lens material that is most widely used for ocular lenses until the 1970s. It is most scratch-resistance surface but the disadvantages are heavy weight, increased thickness, low impact resistance

Standard Glass

Lens material that gained popularity in 1970s. It weighs half as much as glass lenses due to their lower specific gravity and having high optical quality and CR-39 (Columbia resin #39) is the most commonly used for this material

Standard Plastic

Block 80% of UV light without treatment. It can be tinted and coated to provide further UV light blocking. It doesn’t have the shatter resistance of polycarbonate or Trivex

CR-39

Lens material that is high index and were popularized in the 1980s. It is lightweight, thin profile, superior impact resistance, and UV protection. It is often recommended for children, young adults, individuals with active lifestyles, and as safety eyewear and also very durable and can be up to 30% thinner than regular glass or plastic lenses. The only disadvantage of it is high chromatic aberration by its low Abbe number.

Polycarbonate

Lens material that is introduced in 2001. It is highly impact-resistant material with a low specific gravity delivering strong optical quality and minimal chromatic aberration (high Abbe number) and it blocks nearly all UV light. The only disadvantage is low index of refraction

Trivex

It is defined by a refractive index of 1.60 or higher and can either be glass or plastic. It is made for high-power prescriptions to create thin and cosmetically attractive lenses. None of the high-index materials pass the American National Standards Institute’s impact resistance standards.

High Index Materials

Frame type that is characterized by a complete frame that encircles the entire lens. It is perfect for individuals who want their eyewear to make a strong visual impact or need robust glasses for daily wear

Adv
1. Durability
2. Versatility
3. Statement making

Characterized by a complete frame that encircles the entire lens

Full rimmed

Frame type that is typically have a frame along the top of the lenses, with the bottom half left exposed. It offers a compromise between the boldness of full-rimmed frames and the subtlety of rimless options. Excellent choice for those who want a balance between style and functionality

Adv
1. Lightweight
2. Versatile
3. Modern Aesthetic

Typically have a frame along the top of the lenses, with the bottom half left exposed

Semi-rimless

Frame type that is most discreet eyewear option; unparalleled subtlety. It consists of lenses attached directly to the bridge and temple arms, without any surrounding frame. They are for individuals who prefer a barely-there look or those with lighter prescriptions

Adv
1. Lightweight
2. Unobtrusive
3. Versatile

Consist of lenses attached directly to the bridge and temple arms, without any surrounding frame

Rimless

Frame type that is constructed from thin metal. It offers a classic and sophisticated option and excellent choice for those who appreciate a timeless aesthetic or need glasses that can be easily adjusted particularly well-suited to oval, round, or heart-shaped faces

Adv
1. Lightweight
2. Durability
3.Vintage Appeal

Constructed from thin metal . Offer a classic and sophisticated option

Wire

Frame type that is solution to the common problem of glasses sliding down the nose. They are for individuals with lower nose bridges and it ensures comfort and proper alignment for those who have struggled with traditional frame designs and essential for achieving optimal vision correction and preventing the discomfort associated with ill-fitting glasses

Advantages:
1. Adjusted nose pad

2.Modified frame front
3. Reduced frame width

Solution to the common problem of glasses sliding down the nose

Low bridge

Frame shapes that is characterized by their angular shape, with the width exceeding the height. It is excellent choice for those seeking a classic look that stands the test of time and flattering on individuals with round or oval face shapes

Rectangular

Frame shapes that is feature a rounded shape that is slightly wider than it is tall and excellent choice for those with square or diamond-shaped faces as it helps balance strong jawlines and cheekbones. They are for individuals seeking a softer, more refined look

Oval

Frame shapes that is for those looking to make fashion statement or soften strong facial features and offers a distinctive retro-inspired look. It works especially well on square, rectangular, or heart-shaped faces as it provides a pleasing contrast to angular features

Round

Frame shapes that is strong, angular lines and are roughly equal in width and height. They are for those who want to add definition to their look or create a contrast with softer facial features. And complementary to round, oval, or heart-shaped faces

Square

Frame shapes that is characterized by their upswept outer edges, reminiscent of feline eyes and excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of vintage flair to their look. It is flattering on diamond, oval, or heart-shaped faces and can help balance out a strong jawline

Cat-eye